VICTORIA -- The caucus of British Columbia's governing NDP has met to discuss a potential early election after the resignation of Opposition B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Findlay quit Sunday, saying it was the right move for the party and province, and the Conservative board of directors appointed MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader hours later.
But the Conservative constitution prohibits an interim head from seeking the party's leadership in a subsequent ballot, so if an election is called soon, the official Opposition candidate for premier would not immediately be clear.
Findlay's resignation follows weeks of upheaval in the Conservative caucus, with 13 defections or expulsions, including former leader John Rustad who was ejected with two others on Friday.
Rustad is set to address reporters in Victoria today.
NDP MLAs met last night to discuss Findlay's departure, according to an email from party staff that was inadvertently sent to all legislators on Sunday, instead of just those on the government benches.
"I'm sure you've seen by now, but KLF has resigned as leader of the BC Conservatives," the email obtained by The Canadian Press says.
It goes on to say the meeting was to "to discuss and hear from Cheryl and her team," an apparent reference to Cheryl Oates, Premier David Eby's former chief of staff, who has been appointed to manage the NDP campaign for the next election, whenever it is held.
Eby said last week that he told his legislators they need to be "election ready."
Doerkson was first elected in the riding of Cariboo--Chilcotin in 2020 as a member of the BC Liberal party, which rebranded as B.C. United, before crossing the floor to join the Conservatives and being reelected in 2024.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2026.